The head of the United Nations’ AIDS agency has warned that millions of people could die if the United States halts its aid. Since taking office, former President Donald Trump significantly reduced U.S. contributions to global health initiatives, including those supporting HIV/AIDS treatment.
According to Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS, the U.S. was the largest donor to this initiative. However, Trump’s administration effectively cut off much of the funding, putting nearly six million patients at risk of death.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Byanyima stated that 25 years of progress in fighting HIV/AIDS could be undone in just a few days. If the funding is not replaced by another country or organization, at least six million additional deaths could occur in the next four years. Many patients currently receiving treatment under U.N. programs may lose access to life-saving medication.
So far, no other country has stepped in to compensate for the funding shortfall. According to U.N. data, AIDS claimed at least 600,000 lives in 2023, and around nine million new infections are expected in the coming years.
Byanyima warned that the situation could lead to a resurgence of the AIDS crisis seen in the 1990s, particularly in Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. While significant progress has been made in controlling the disease, sudden funding cuts could trigger a severe health crisis.
In response, Byanyima urged the U.S. to reconsider its decision, acknowledging their financial concerns but emphasizing the catastrophic consequences of abruptly stopping aid.